Microscopic 'Dendrites' a Focus in Boeing Dreamliner Probe

By

Jon Ostrower And

Andy Pasztor

Updated Feb. 11, 2013 10:45 p.m. ET

Aviation safety investigators are examining whether the formation of microscopic structures known as dendrites inside the Boeing Co. 787's lithium-ion batteries played a role in twin incidents that prompted the fleet to be grounded nearly a month ago.

The new information from the National Transportation Safety Board offers a glimpse into what could become an important line of inquiry for the investigation into a Jan. 7 battery fire...